Break-in hits Norwich church and Foodbank centre

A Norwich church suffered a break-in over the weekend when computers, sound and lighting equipment were stolen along with Foodbank supplies intended for those in need.

Alive Church on Nelson Street in the Heigham area of the city was broken into on Saturday night and the damage discovered when church members arrived for a service on Sunday morning.

Reportedly around £17k-worth of computers, sound and lighting equipment and Foodbank supplies were stolen and damage was done.

But church members responded positively to the set-back, helping to clear up the mess and an appeal to pay for an alarm system and CCTV has been launched online.

Location pastor Johanna Thorne posted on Facebook: “Today we start with thankfulness for the amazing church we lead. Our team discovered on opening up this morning we had sadly been burgled. Much of our equipment has been stolen and some damaged caused. We were blown away by the fantastic attitude, as we celebrated God’s goodness.

“Things matter functionally but people, that's what really matters! Thank you Alive Church for pulling it out if the bag this morning and again being part of transforming people's lives. All you need is love!”

An online appeal to raise £3k to pay for an alarm system or CCTV has already been launched by Sara Carrington, sister of Johanna.

Sara said: “Over the weekend my sister’s church was broken into and damaged. They stole computers and lighting equipment to name just a few things and also managed to break into and steal many food items which were for the community Foodbank which helps feed the homeless and people on low incomes. The church has only just completed its renovation so this has caused a big blow. The Church is run for the local community and is a charity that helps everyone with support when they need it.

“As it is a charity it has no funds to be able to purchase an alarm system or CCTV and the police have already advised it’s highly likely the thieves will be back at some point to steal the rest of the items they could not get out. Please can you all donate even a £1 or whatever you can to help the church get back to helping the community.”

Alive Church, began in September 2014, after rebranding from the previous City Church, and only moved into Alive House, on Nelson Street, Norwich last September in an effort to reach out to the Heigham area.

Alive House had been thoroughly refurbished and transformed from its original, although dated, brightly coloured scheme into a contemporary attractive space.